Field Finishing

Doors should not be considered ready for finishing when initially received. The finisher must thoroughly sand the faces and edges of door. This should be done with the door in a horizontal position with 120, 150, or 180 grit sand paper. Final sanding should be with 180 grit sand paper. This process is necessary in order to remove all scuffs, handling marks, scratches, raised grain, burnishes, and effects of exposure to moisture. After sanding, all wood dust must be removed and surfaces inspected for any remaining blemishes before finishing. Repeat sanding process if any remaining marks are detected. It is not unusual for this to be a 20 to 30 minute process.

Wood is hygroscopic and dimensionally influenced by changes in moisture content caused by changes within its surrounding environment. To assure uniform moisture exposure and dimensional control, all surfaces must be finished equally. Certain species of wood, particularly oak, may contain extractives which react unfavorably with foreign materials in the finishing system. Do not use steel wool on bare wood, rusty containers or any other contaminate in the finishing system.

A thinned coat of sanding sealer should be applied prior to staining to promote a uniform appearance and avoid sharp contrasts in color or blotchy appearance. Door manufacturers are not responsible for the final appearance of field-finished doors. It is expected that the painting contractor will make adjustments as needed to achieve desired results. All exposed, unfinished wood surfaces should be finished and the top and bottom rails sealed. Cutouts for hardware in doors located adjacent to areas, where high moisture is expected, should be sealed prior to installation of hardware. Dark color finishes should be avoided on all surfaces if the door is exposed to direct sunlight, to reduce the chance of warping or veneer checking.

Water based coatings on unfinished wood may cause veneer splits, highlight joints and raise wood grain. If used on exterior doors, the coating should be an exterior grade product. When installed in exterior applications, doors must be properly sealed and adequately protected from the elements.

All doors must be visually inspected for face grade, color, match or other visible defects prior to finishing or installation.